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Lead Rakes

Aerial view of Tideslow lead rake

Historically, lead mining was an important activity in the White Peak. The lead ore, called galena, is found in mineral veins running through the limestone. Miners extracted the galena and deposited any unwanted rocks, minerals and soil alongside. These spoil heaps were named 'lead rakes'. Stripped of their treasure, the lead rakes were abandoned and left derelict (to learn more about lead mining in the Peak District click here).

Lead rake hillocks highlighted by different vegetation, near Wardlow

Due to the high lead content of the spoil, many plants could not grow on the poisonous soil. Only those plants that could tolerate lead managed to survive and colonise the rakes. These plants are known as metallophytes (metal tolerant plants) and are of international conservation importance. Leadwort is an example of a Peak District metallophyte.

Lead rakes and the grasslands around them also support numerous other flowers, such as the bright mountain pansy and the fragrant orchid, as well as provide sites for hibernating amphibians. Old mine shafts provide roosts for bats.

Decline of Lead Rakes

Despite the ecological importance of lead rakes, 50% have been lost this century and their numbers continue to decline.

It is ironic that people's past exploitation of the landscape has resulted in the existence today of an ecologically important habitat, which due to its 'derelict' appearance is now threatened! Lead rakes and the rare wildlife they support are fast disappearing due to a number of reasons:

• derelict appearance results in re-planting with trees and walling
• hillocks flattened for ploughing and re-seeding
• fertilisers and pesticides applied that kill the wildflowers and insects
• hollows used as tips for sheep dip and builders' rubble
• re-mined for remaining minerals such as fluorspar and barite
• 4x4 trials and scrambling
• overgrazing reducing species diversity

Follow this link for more information on the Peak District Biodiversity Action Plan for Lead Rakes.

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Leadwort (Minuartia verna)

Also known as spring sandwort, the small white flowers of this plant can be seen covering the stony mounds that mark the site of old lead mining spoil heaps. They are a sign that the historical remains of lead workings are nearby. If you see them proceed with caution as old mine shafts are likely to be nearby!!

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Mountain Pansy (Viola lutea)

This dainty yellow flower can often be seen covering the grassy banks around old lead workings.

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